The harbour at West Bay dates back some 300 years and was built around the River Brit but has changed greatly over the years. The new harbour breakwaters were completed in 2005 and the western arm was rebuilt entirely. The harbour is important for fishing, diving and recreation.

The cliffs beyond West Bay form part of the Dorset and East Devon coast World Heritage Site.

The beach in the foreground is what is now regarded as the western end of Chesil Beach, a barrier beach that runs for 28km to the east where it joins Portland to the rest of Dorset.